 |
|
|
|
|
Founded in 1848, Linn County was a popular
stopping point for settlers who traveled the Oregon Trail looking for the “Promised
Land.” Today, the area continues to embrace its historic roots and goes
to great lengths to preserve its past. This can clearly be seen in Albany,
where the downtown blocks feature a mix of antique shops, restaurants and museums.
Albany, the county’s largest city, is credited by historians as having
the most varied collection of historic buildings in Oregon. Upwards of
700 homes, shops and museums built between 1840 and 1920 make up four historic
districts listed in the National Register of historic places. This 100-square-block
area can be explored by foot, bike, automobile, or on one of several guided
tours throughout the year.
Located in the heart of the fertile Willamette Valley, Albany serves as one
of Oregon’s leading agricultural communities producing corn, beans, mint,
hazel nuts and grass seed amongst other crops. The production and exportation
of more than 95% of the World's grass seed (300,000,000 lbs. each year)
gives Linn County the unique designation as the "Grass Seed Capital of
the World." This close proximity to delicious produce allows popular area
restaurants such as Sybaris and
Novak’s to offer Northwest inspired cuisine made with the freshest ingredients
available. In addition, Albany offers one of the best Farmers’ Markets in
the state, held Saturdays April through November. Discover the area’s
dairy delights at Oregon Gourmet
Cheeses, which produces specialty cheeses that can be purchased exclusively
at their factory located in the heart of downtown.
Oregon boasts the best collection of covered bridges this side of the Mississippi.
Playing a large role in this is the cluster of bridges just east of Albany,
in the Crabtree and Scio areas. Stop by one of the region’s several visitors’ centers
and pick up the Discovery Albany brochure which contains a map of the area’s
covered bridges – perfect for your self-guided tour of bridges dating
from the 1930s and 1940s. If the day is nice, bring along a picnic and take
a respite at Larwood
Bridge.
Looking for culture? Each April, Albany is home to the Oregon
Scottish Heritage Festival, now in its 18th year. Traditional Scottish
bagpipers, fiddlers and dancers delight crowds with Celtic tunes, both old
and new. Don’t miss the chance to get a true taste of Scotland, with
offerings that include Scotch eggs and bangers on buns.
Visit Linn County in May for “Carriage
Me Back,” when Brownsville town actors re-enact selected pieces
of history from 1924. Dressed in period costumes, members of the community
take on the personalities of well-known historic characters. Visitors
ride in a horse-drawn carriage from the Linn County Museum to the 1881 Moyer
House, enjoying re-enactments along the way.
Put Linn County on the must-do list for your next visit to the Willamette
Valley. Its history, culture and diversity of activities are sure to resonate
with all members of the family. Step back in time and enjoy the tastes of the
valley right from the source - you’ll be glad you did.
For more information on a visit to Albany: www.albanyvisitors.com
Below you’ll find more details on Albany’s featured events, as
well as other festivities taking place in the much-loved Oregon Wine Country. |
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Oregon Scottish Heritage Festival
Linn County Fairgrounds & Expo Center
Albany, OR
April 14
9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Start your day off with some banger and tatties before enjoying traditional
bagpipe music, pipe bands and highland dancing. Enjoy a taste of Scotland,
Willamette Valley style!
www.oregonscottishsociety.com
|
|
 |
|
|
|
Carriage Me Back
Brownsville, OR
May 5 & 6
Travel back to the year 1924 and see history come alive. This annual
tradition brings together the community of historic Brownsville to
re-enact town history complete with horse-drawn carriage rides, period
costumes and notable historical figures “coming to life.”
www.brownsvilleoregon.org |
|
 |
|
|
|
Evergreen IMAX Theater 3D
Evergreen Aviation Museum
McMinnville, OR
Daily 10:30 a. m. – 8 p.m.
Movies come to life at the Evergreen Aviation Museum’s newest attraction – the
Evergreen IMAX® Theater. Viewers will be captivated by one of the
largest screens in Oregon, a state-of-the-art digital surround sound system
and the only 3D experience in the state. "Magnificent Desolation: Walking
on the Moon," "Cirque Du Soleil: Journey of Man" and "Fighter
Pilot: Operation Red Flag" will kick off the grand opening.
www.sprucegoose.org |
|
 |
|
|
|
Hesthavn Nature Center Open House
8590 NW Oak Creek Road
2.5 miles west of Corvallis
April 22
10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Come see the spectacular improvements to the Hesthavn Nature Center! Take
part in nature-related demonstrations and games, see live raptors on display,
watch an award-winning film and snack on free refreshments.
www.audubon.corvallis.or.us |
|
 |
|
|
|
Oregon Ag Fest
Oregon State Fairgrounds, Salem
April 28 & 29
Sat.: 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sun: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
The Oregon Ag Fest is a fun and educational festival for the whole family
that teaches the importance of agriculture in our daily lives. Experience Oregon’s
largest industry firsthand as you pet a llama, taste fresh produce and view
hundreds of native plant species. Admission $6, children under 12 are free.
www.oragfest.com
www.oregonstatefair.org
|
|
 |
|
|
|
Native Plant Appreciation Week Wildflower
Walk
Mount Pisgah Arboretum
34901 Frank Parrish Rd.
Eugene, OR 97405
May 1
3 - 4 p.m.
In honor of Native Plant Appreciation Week, immerse yourself in the splendor
of the Arboretum’s native spring wildflowers. Join Dr. Rhoda Love and take
a gentle spring stroll while learning what’s in bloom. $3 Suggested Donation
www.efn.org/~mtpisgah |
|
 |
|
|
|
Master Gardener's Spring Garden Fair & Show
Clackamas County Fairgrounds
694 NE 4th Avenue
Canby, OR
May 5-6
Sat.: 9 a.m.- 5 p.m.
Sun.: 9 a.m.- 4 p.m.
More than 150 vendors gather annually for this spectacular showcase of the
Pacific Northwest's premier gardeners and garden products. Learn pruning
basics and how to select the perfect tree, enter on-site raffles and enjoy
tasty treats from local food vendors. To round out your visit to the
Mt. Hood Territory, check out area wineries and small town shops, nurseries
and restaurants in nearby Wilsonville, Aurora and Molalla.
www.clackamascountymastergardeners.org |
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
